Environmental activist Truphena Muthoni is pushing on with her 72-hour tree-hugging Guinness World Record attempt in Nyeri, drawing significant public and official attention.
A video from the scene shows Muthoni holding onto a tree as residents gather around her.
Locals have remained at the site throughout the day and night, providing umbrellas, jackets and portable heaters as heavy rain hit the area.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga also visited the site, attracting more county officials and bystanders who came to monitor the ongoing attempt.
“She is once again making Nyeri County proud as she attempts to break her own world record: moving from 48 hours of tree-hugging to an ambitious 72 hours,” Kahiga shared in an X post later.
Truphena Muthoni, push on my daughter.
I strongly encourage you in your conservation resolve to not only break your record in the Guiness World Records of hugging a tree but also the awareness creation on environmental conservation and mental health challenges attached. pic.twitter.com/NIA8l9pRof
— Rigathi Gachagua (@rigathi) December 10, 2025
The challenge has also drawn political interest.
In a post on X, DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua urged her to continue, praising her environmental advocacy.
“Truphena Muthoni, push on, my daughter,” he wrote, adding, “I strongly encourage you in your conservation resolve to not only break your record in the Guiness World Records of hugging a tree but also the awareness creation on environmental conservation and mental health challenges attached.”
Renowned panafricanist PLO Lumumba also visited Muthoni.
Muthoni is attempting to surpass her own record set earlier this year, when she hugged a tree for 48 hours at Michuki Memorial Park in Nairobi—more than doubling the previous world record of 24 hours and 21 minutes.
She has said the current attempt is aimed at advancing awareness on deforestation, climate change and mental health.
Part of the challenge will be completed blindfolded to highlight the experiences of visually impaired people and their vulnerability to climate-related risks.
The attempt is ongoing, with residents continuing to gather at the Nyeri site as she progresses toward the 72-hour target.